The House Committee on Constitutional Amendment will hold a “Public Consultation on Constitutional Reform” at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby on Friday [March 17] from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said in a press conference today [March 13] that Southern Leyte Lone District Rep. Roger Mercado, chair of the said committee, has requested for his assistance in holding the public consultation.

Around 300 participants coming from government agencies, business groups, academic institutions, professional and legal groups, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and other sectoral groups have been invited, according to Mark Steven Mayo, consultant of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya.

At least 17 congressmen from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, and Agusan del Norte, and officials of Bacolod City have been invited to the consultation, he added.

Gasataya and 3rd District Rep. Alfredo Benitez are also assisting in the preparations for the public consultation.

Mercado, in his letter to Leonardia, said the public consultation will determine the public sentiment on the following issues pertaining to constitutional reforms:

(1) Whether or not it is necessary to amend or revise the Constitution;
(2) What is the preferred mode of amendment or revision; and
(3) What are the specific proposals, if any.

Leonardia and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. will deliver the welcome remarks, while Gasataya will acknowledge the guests and participants.

Meanwhile, Leonardia also expressed his support for the shift to federalism. “I would like to declare that on my part I am for federalism because I feel that is going to be good for Bacolod and Negros Occidental,” he said.*